Officers have been patrolling popular beauty spots, including The Shore and Inverleith Park

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Police were carry out checks in Leith (Image: Friends of the Water of Leith Basin (FOWL.b)/Facebook)

Friends of Water of Leith Basin (FOWL.b), a local action group, said: "Police patrolling the river today for the first time. Not imposing fines yet. But kindly and patiently explaining that people can come out to walk but can no longer sit down in public places."

Previously speaking to Edinburgh Live, a spokesperson for FOWL.b said they hoped people would heed social distancing advice to prevent tougher lockdown being enforced.

Elsewhere in the city, an eye witness said police told swimmers breaching lockdown rules to get out of the water at Wardie Bay.

Officers at Wardie Bay told swimmers to get out of the water (Image: Janet Butterworth/Facebook)

It comes as Police Scotland's Chief Constable today revealed the force had issued over 500 fixed penalty notices since the beginning of lockdown.

The UK Government have also issued a warning for people who are thinking of breaking the rules.

The official Twitter page for Prime Minister Boris Johnson issued a reminder that if you "leave your home or gather in public for any reason other than those specified, the police have the powers to disperse you and issue fines".

Under emergency measures, police have the powers to fine people found in breach of lockdown rules £60 - which is reduced to £30 if paid within £14 days.

However, this figure rises dramatically to £120 for second-time offenders and doubles on each further offence. Police can also arrest those who do not follow instructions when deemed necessary.

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